Identifying this item

Jalith · 20th April 2010, 04:51 PM

I am trying to identify this item and I really don't know where to start besides just showing people and seeing if they recognise what it might be. I'm hoping someone here can help!

This 3-edged dagger/point has a flame design on each surface.
There is a partial skull with hair extending upward. The hand is grasping the hair. The hand is held in the "sign of the horns" position.
Above the hand is a dragon head with mouth open - and to be honest, looks like it might make a good bottle opener...

Most people who have looked at this item think that it has been removed from a larger piece, the point of severance being the hand at the wrist. It seems that something was also affixed to the back, possibly a mount as there is a small round spot of what feels like a different metal on the back of the blade section.

katana · 20th April 2010, 05:36 PM

Hi Jalith,
it's a Phurba.....a buddhist spiritual dagger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phurba

http://www.himalayanmart.com/PhurbaRitualDagger.php

Regards David

Jalith · 20th April 2010, 08:06 PM

Thanks David!

I wasn't expecting an answer so quickly - I see I came to the right place!

I guess my next task is to figure out if it was produced for tourists, or if it is a genuine article...

Regards

J

Rick · 20th April 2010, 11:12 PM

An interesting form for these IMO .

Is the Makara a common figure for a phurba ?

BTW, welcome !

katana · 21st April 2010, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

An interesting form for these IMO .

Is the Makara a common figure for a phurba ?

BTW, welcome !

Hi Rick,
yes the Makara is present on a number of phurbas. Google Makara and Phurba .... I asume this Hindu symbol has filtered through to Tibet (and regions) and is incoporated into the symbolism of the other 'elements' of the Phurba.

Regards David

20th April 2010, 04:51 PM	#1
Jalith Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 2	Identifying this item I am trying to identify this item and I really don't know where to start besides just showing people and seeing if they recognise what it might be. I'm hoping someone here can help! This 3-edged dagger/point has a flame design on each surface. There is a partial skull with hair extending upward. The hand is grasping the hair. The hand is held in the "sign of the horns" position. Above the hand is a dragon head with mouth open - and to be honest, looks like it might make a good bottle opener... Most people who have looked at this item think that it has been removed from a larger piece, the point of severance being the hand at the wrist. It seems that something was also affixed to the back, possibly a mount as there is a small round spot of what feels like a different metal on the back of the blade section. Attached Images

20th April 2010, 05:36 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Jalith, it's a Phurba.....a buddhist spiritual dagger http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phurba http://www.himalayanmart.com/PhurbaRitualDagger.php Regards David

20th April 2010, 08:06 PM	#3
Jalith Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 2	Thanks David! I wasn't expecting an answer so quickly - I see I came to the right place! I guess my next task is to figure out if it was produced for tourists, or if it is a genuine article... Regards J

20th April 2010, 11:12 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,287	An interesting form for these IMO . Is the Makara a common figure for a phurba ? BTW, welcome !